Tripartite peace negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are set to continue Saturday in Abu Dhabi, aiming to find a resolution to Russia’s nearly four-year invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the discussions will focus on the future of the eastern Donbas region, a key area of conflict.
Early Talks Show “Productive” Progress
The White House described Friday’s opening session as productive, while the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meetings are part of ongoing efforts to “promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of the trilateral talks, noting that Ukrainian representatives update him almost hourly. “By now, they should already have at least some answers from Russia — the key is that Russia must be ready to end this war, the one it itself started,” he said.
Observers noted that this marks the first time officials from the Trump administration have met simultaneously with both Ukrainian and Russian negotiators, signaling a cautious but meaningful step forward despite major challenges.
Russia Insists on Territorial Conditions
Moscow offered few details, calling the discussions a “working group on security issues.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia considers the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from eastern Donbas a critical condition, while Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks with US officials as “frank, constructive, and fruitful,” emphasizing that any long-term settlement hinges on resolving territorial disputes. Russian media also reported that the agenda included potential buffer zones and control mechanisms.
Delegations and Diplomatic Moves
Russia’s team is led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, with military officials handling negotiations. Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev will separately discuss economic matters with US representatives.
The United States delegation includes envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and NATO’s top military commander, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich. Ukraine is represented by Rustem Umerov, head of the national security and defense council, Chief of General Staff Andrii Hnatov, and Kyrylo Budanov, head of the presidential office.
The talks follow earlier meetings in Moscow where US envoys met with President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin stated that any settlement would require Kyiv to withdraw from territories Russia has annexed but does not fully control. Zelenskyy also indicated openness to establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s authority, which he believes could benefit Ukrainian businesses.
